By: Isabelle Lounsberry
AP classes– or advanced placement classes– are college-level classes taken in high school. Our humble Apopka High School offers 24 of these courses, ranging from various forms of the arts such as Music or Drawing to rigorous science courses such as Chemistry and Physics. Approximately 44% of Apopka students take some form of AP class, and of those, 34% pass the exam. The exam is what gives you possible credit for college, and it is what many colleges look at for scholarship opportunities.
Unfortunately for many college applicants, a simple 4.0 GPA does not guarantee scholarships anymore, or even making it into their college of choice in the first place. You’ve probably heard from your guidance counselor or parents that colleges want to see you challenge yourself, but is it true? Statistically, yes. AP courses and exam scores help qualify you for scholarships. According to The College Board, 31% of colleges and universities look at AP experience when making scholarship decisions.
What does that mean for kids who don’t have the opportunity to take AP? Well, as most candidates know, acceptance into college is extremely competitive. Students are expected to take the most challenging courses available, even if they aren’t interested. This makes things almost impossible for students of high schools that don’t offer more onerous classes and puts them at a disadvantage. As for those who attend schools that do offer AP or other college-level courses who are perhaps unready to take them, they will most likely be beaten out of colleges due to what the colleges see as an unwillingness to test themselves, even if that isn’t the case. So while AP courses seem to be nothing but benefits when it comes to its participant’s academics, it is perhaps not as fair for all students.
Despite the undeniable benefits, there are acute consequences. Tiana Dimarco, a member of many AP classes herself, says that “It’s a lot of work and it does cause a lot of stress, and you feel overworked. And for extracurriculars, you don’t really have time.” Seeing as the courses take up quite a bit of time and effort, it can be damning to the student’s social lives. Along with this comes effects to mental and even physical health, so it’s best to mull things over before making that commitment. Even so, it does not mean life as an average teenager has to end entirely, it just takes some skillful time management and a most likely lack of sleep.
This leaves students questioning whether they should, or are even capable of, making such a commitment. Kristina Roberts, one of our very own guidance counselors here at Apopka, says to students making the decision that “It’s up to each individual student if they feel that they are ready to take AP classes. Sometimes students, if they’re not really sure, can maybe start out with one AP class, or take an AP class in the subject they are the best at.” However, if you decide to opt out after registering for a class, there is a lengthy process you must go through in which multiple people, including the principal, have to approve your removal from the class.
Commonly, the recommended number of AP courses for sophomores is one, for juniors it is two, and for seniors it is three. Freshman students aren’t recommended to take any, as it can be overwhelming.
After deciding to take an AP course, you should prepare yourself as best as possible. First and foremost, do the summer assignment. Yes, trudging through those boring and typically uneventful classics and writing essays on things you’ve never heard of may be grueling, but they’re necessary. It will help prepare you by giving you an introduction to the material in the course, and doing the assignment gives you an edge over other kids. Another thing to keep in mind is to take advantage of the resources available. Go to tutoring, create a study group, or ask your teacher for help– that’s what they’re there for.
The most important thing you must do is consistently show up to class. Lessons go quickly, and that extra hour of sleep isn’t worth missing all of that information. Which brings up the next tip: sleep. Sleep is so important to not only your health, but also to your education. Showing up to class but falling asleep isn’t going to help you, so while staying up to binge watch your favorite series is tempting, it is not advisable.
In short, if you feel comfortable enough to challenge yourself, trying an AP class might be a good option for you. Think carefully, and prepare yourself as best as possible. Remember that your education is for you and only you, so it is completely up to you. It can possibly help you in college, but it is a lot of work and commitment that you need to think carefully about. It all depends on your situation, your strengths, and your abilities.